Suitcase

ABSTRACT

A suitcase comprises a body and a frame, said frame movable from a first position contained within said suitcase when said suitcase is closed, to a second position extending from said suitcase when said suitcase is open, said frame including a shield portion supporting a canopy, said canopy movably mounted on said shield portion.

This invention relates to a suitcase that includes a frame, the frame movable from a first position contained within said suitcase when said suitcase is closed, to a second position extending from said suitcase when said suitcase is open. This frame can be used to support for example, a lounger, a sunshade and/or a tent.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suitcase comprising a body, an extendable handle, a clasp and a frame, said body including a lid, said frame movable from a first position contained within said suitcase when said suitcase is closed, to a second position extending is from said suitcase when said suitcase is open, said frame comprising a first frame portion connected to said lid via a universal joint, and said clasp arranged to lock said extendable handle to said frame.

Owing to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide a suitcase that can easily be converted into a tent. The suitcase provides a rigid based, self supporting tent and a tent tensioning system. The suitcase enables the tent to be stored in a folded state and then erected without guy ropes or tent pegs. The suitcase/tent also has the ability to be used in standing water, because the base of the suitcase is water tight and supports the occupant approximately 15 cm above ground level.

The suitcase's lower and upper halves are opened out and fixed together to form a rigid base for the Tent. This is achieved by inserting fasteners or interlocking hooks through holes in the hinged side of the lower case into receptacles in the upper case. These fasteners are securely enclosed inside a hinged, thermally insulated compartment that can be locked to prevent anyone undoing them, closing the case and removing it while unattended. Another use for this feature is for storing valuables that the owner might take on holiday for example cash, telephone, etc. or cold drinks.

The canopy of the tent is supported by oval tubular frames that are stored inside the upper case and consist of two inverted U-frames. One frame is attached to the upper case via two universal joints, the other is loose. Each end of the loose frame is stored in a cup adjacent to a respective universal joint, which locates the loose frame during transit. The frames are oval to allow the frames to bend in the lateral direction but remain stiff longitudinally. The frames are angled so that they are further apart at the top than the bottom. This helps to tension the tent fabric. If the canopy is not needed it can be removed by unfastening the universal joints from the lid.

To support the weight of the tent material that makes up the canopy and to stiffen the framework an over centre linkage is incorporated into the design. To lift the roof to the correct height a user springs the uprights apart and causes the tube to deflect temporarily. Once past the horizontal position, the frames spring upwards into position and are held securely by the torsional load exerted by the uprights and this supports the canopy of tent fabric.

Another feature of the design is the tensioning of the foot support framework to pull the frames apart until the tent fabric is held in tension. This is done by extending the suitcase's retractable handle and attaching it to the lower cross member of the foot support frame with the hook on the tensioning device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suitcase comprising a body and a frame, said frame movable from a first position contained within said suitcase when said suitcase is closed, to a second position extending from said suitcase when said suitcase is open, said frame including a shield portion supporting a canopy, said canopy movably mounted on said shield portion

Owing to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide a suitcase that can be easily used, for example, as a sun lounger when the frame is folded out, but is lightweight and can still be used to carry clothes and the like when the frame is folded back into the suitcase. The canopy acts as a sunshade and protects the user from the sun, and is movably mounted on the frame, allowing the user to position the canopy as they wish and to move the canopy when the suitcase is in use. This allows easy access to the lounger and the sunshade (acting either as a parasol or windbreak) can be moved on the frame when the position of the sun changes. It is also possible to convert the parasol/windbreaker to a one-man tent.

A rigid base may be used in the suitcase that supports the frame and protects the design of the suitcase from damage. The entire body of the suitcase may be rigid.

The lounger/suitcase is designed to allow the user to have a comfortable place to sit or lie down when on holiday. The basis is a very light suitcase made from plastic composite material or lightweight metal. The lounger is a lightweight structure that folds up and is stowed inside the suitcase lid, which allows access to the luggage compartment for clothes. The lounger can be removed if the user wanted to use it just as a conventional suitcase.

There is a means of locking the lounger in the open position to help prevent casual theft by folding the suitcase up and walking off with the suitcase when it is unattended. Inside the suitcase there is a lockable, insulated compartment to safeguard valuables whilst the owner is away and to store cold drinks.

Owing to the lightweight construction the suitcase will have the provision to fit straps to the underside of the suitcase to allow the user to carry the suitcase on their back if desired. To allow the case to be used by bicycle riders a towing handle can be provided.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:—

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closed suitcase,

FIG. 2 is a side view of the suitcase, with a frame folded in and the suitcase closed,

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the suitcase in an open position, with the frame not yet folded out,

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the suitcase, with the frame folded out and a windbreak provided,

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the suitcase of FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the suitcase, with the frame folded out and a sunshade provided,

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the suitcase, with the frame removed,

FIG. 8 is an underneath perspective view of the suitcase, with carrying straps,

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a pair of suitcases fitted to a vehicle roof rack,

FIG. 10 is an underneath perspective view of the suitcases and roof rack of FIG. 9,

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b show top perspective views of a second embodiment of the suitcase/lounger,

FIGS. 12 a, 12 b and 12 c show side sections of a locking device for locking the suitcase in an open position,

FIGS. 13 to 19 show views of the second embodiment of the suitcase,

FIGS. 20 a and 20 b show, respectively, a perspective and side section view of a clasp in an unlocked position,

FIGS. 21 a and 21 b show, respectively, a perspective and side section view of the clasp of FIG. 20 in a locked position,

FIGS. 22 and 23 show perspective views of a portion of the lid of the suitcase and a portion of a frame for supporting a tent canopy, and

FIG. 24 shows a top perspective view of the second embodiment of the suitcase/tent.

FIG. 1 shows a suitcase 10, which comprises a body 12 and an internal frame. The body 12 includes a rigid base. The frame (shown in FIG. 4 for example) is movable from a first position contained within the suitcase 10 when the suitcase 10 is closed, to a second position extending from the suitcase 10 when the suitcase 10 is open. The body 12 includes a lid 18 and a wheel 22, one on either side of the base. The suitcase 10 is designed to function as a conventional suitcase, and can be used to carry clothes and the like, in the conventional manner. The suitcase 10 has four uses however, and can be used as a suitcase, a lounger, a sun shade or as a tent. In FIG. 1, the suitcase 10 is shown closed with the lid 18 closed and with the frame folded internally. The frame can support a fabric sheet that is used to support the weight of a user when they are lying on the lounger. FIG. 2 further shows the suitcase 10 in its closed configuration, with the frame 14 folded up inside the suitcase 10. The suitcase 10 has a rigid base 16

FIG. 3 shows the suitcase 10 after it has been opened, but before the frame 14 has been moved from its stowed position in the suitcase 10. As can be seen, the body 12 of the suitcase 10 provides storage space for the user's possessions. The body 12 is provided with a pair of wheels 22, one on each corner of the rigid base 16, for use when the suitcase 10 is closed, and the user wishes to pull the suitcase 10, rather than carry it. The frame 14 supports a sheet 20 that can be used to support a person when the frame 14 has been folded out into its unfolded position.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show the suitcase 10, which in addition to the extendable frame 14, is provided with a shield portion 24 which supports a canopy 26. The canopy 26 extends over and above the body 12 of the suitcase 10. The canopy 26 is provided to protect the user from the sun, and is movable on the shield portion 24 of the frame 14. This allows easy access to the lounger and the parasol/windbreaker 26 can be moved when the position of the sun changes. The shield portion 24 and the canopy 26 can be stowed in the suitcase 10 when not in use and carried in the suitcase 10. The canopy 26 is slidably mounted on the shield portion 24 and can be moved by the user of the suitcase 10 as desired to protect the user from the wind or sun. One simple method of mounting the shade 26 on the portion 24 of the frame 14 is to have a loop of material at the ends of the shade 26 through which the portions 24 are threaded. This allows the user to move the canopy 26 into their desired position easily and simply.

FIG. 7 shows the suitcase 10, with the frame 14 removed. The frame 14 is provided with short extensions 32 at each corner of the folded frame. These extensions 32 locate in locating elements 34 in the body 12 of the suitcase 10. The frame 14 can easily be removed by a user, and this allows the suitcase 10 to be used as a normal suitcase, without the frame being present. When the user wishes to user the suitcase 10 as the combined suitcase/lounger/sunshade/tent, then the frame 14 can be located in the elements 34 in the corners of the body 12.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the suitcase 10 in which carrying straps 36 have been provided on the underside of the suitcase 10, which allows the suitcase 10 to be easily carried by a user. The user will carry the suitcase 10 upon their back, in a rucksack fashion. FIGS. 9 and 10 show how a pair of suitcases 10 can be carried by a vehicle roof rack 38. Cross beams 40 on the roof rack 38 can locate in grooves 42 provided on the undersides of the suitcases 10. This allows one or more suitcases to be easily transported on the exterior of a vehicle.

The suitcase 10 provides the following unique features. The suitcase 10 operates as a multi functional travel and leisure companion that can be of use when a user arrives at a holiday resort, unlike an ordinary case. It can be used to relax at the airport if a user's flight is delayed. The case 10 has the capability to use its parasol either as a sunshade or as a tent. The case is a structural part which helps reduce the weight. The lounger part can be removed leaving a standard case. Because of its lightweight design, the suitcase 10 can be carried on the user's back, which is useful when walking over rough ground or up stairs. It is lockable when open to help deter theft. The case 10 can be used as a lounger even when the case is full of clothes, because the user's belongings would not have to be removed for the lounger to be used. A complete home from home is provided not just a case or lounger. It provides a dry and shaded environment, somewhere to sleep, somewhere to store ones clothes and a secure insulated space to store valuables and the case 10 can be taken with a user wherever they go.

A second embodiment of the suitcase 10 is shown in FIGS. 11 to 23. This embodiment has a number of additional features that allow the suitcase to be transformed into a fully functioning tent. When the lid 18 of the suitcase 10 is opened, it can be locked in position, which prevents an unauthorised person from collapsing and folding the tent/lounger back into the suitcase 10, without the owner's permission, thereby reducing the likelihood of there being a theft of the suitcase 10.

Inside the body 12 of the suitcase 10, is a lockable compartment 50, which can be closed with a hinged door 52. This door 52 is provided with a lock that receives a key in a conventional fashion. Inside the compartment 50 is the locking device that is used to lock the lid 18 of the suitcase 10 such that it can no longer be closed. When the user wishes to erect the tent, their first action is to lock the lid 18 in position and then close and secure the door 52 of the compartment 50. FIG. 11 a shows the door 52 open, and FIG. 11 b shows the door 52 after it has been closed and locked.

FIGS. 12 a and 12 b show, in more detail, the locking device 54 used to lock the lid 18. In FIG. 12 a, the hinged door 52 to the compartment 50 is open and the locking device 54 is in a first position, in which position it does not engage with the lid 18 of the suitcase 10. The user of the suitcase 10 can push the locking device 54 to a second position, shown in FIG. 12 b. When the locking device 54 is in the second position, it engages the lid 18 of the suitcase 10, and the lid 18 can no longer be hinged to close the suitcase 10, as the locking device 54 prevents any turning movement of the lid 18. FIG. 12 c shows the suitcase 10 with the lounger 20 still in position, after the locking device 54 has been moved into its second and locking position, with the door 52 of the compartment 50 closed and locked.

FIG. 13 shows the suitcase 10, as the user begins to erect the tent. The fabric that makes up the tent has been removed from the Figure for reasons of clarity. The user first folds back the top of the lounger 20. A frame 56 is stored in the lid 18 of the suitcase 10, and the fabric of the tent is mounted on the frame 56 when it is stored in the lid 18. The user folds the frame 56 out of the lid 18, in preparation for erecting the tent part of the suitcase 10. The fixing of the frame 56 to the lid 18, and how it is arranged is shown in more detail below, with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23.

The suitcase 10 is also provided with an extendable handle 58, which can be used to pull the suitcase 10 around, when it is in its closed state. This is known and used in the conventional way. The handle 58 also includes a clasp 60, which is used for assisting in the assembly of the suitcase into the tent. This clasp is discussed below, in more detail, with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21. The clasp has the function of locking the handle 58 onto the frame 14 of the lounger 20, to provide rigidity for the tent construction.

FIG. 14 shows the next stage in the erection of the tent, in which a second frame portion 56 b is inserted into hold provided on the frame 14. The second frame portion 56 b is identical to the first frame portion 56 a. The frame 14 is not yet attached to the clasp 60, so that the bottom portion of the lounger 20 can hinge upwards in order to receive the frame 56 b. Frames 56 a and 56 b will be connected together by the fabric of the tent (removed for clarity). Each part of the frame 56 a and 56 b is telescopic and flexible, allowing the frames parts 56 a and 56 b to be easily manipulated into position. As the frames 56 a and 56 b are extended fully and opened outwards, they take up a position, as shown in FIG. 15. As the user pushes the upper supports (of the frame portions 56 a and 56 b) vertically against the resistance from bending of the uprights they eventually spring into place, while moving through the position shown in FIG. 16, to the final position shown in FIG. 17.

In summary, a user performs the following sequence of operations to erect the tent. Firstly, they unpack the unattached frame 56 b and lay it on the lounger 20. The user then swivels the attached frame 56 a through 90 degrees on its universal joint. The user extends the retractable handle 58 and hooks the tension device, the clasp 60, over the lower cross member of the foot support, but does not tighten the clasp at this stage.

The user then pushes both legs of the attached frame 56 a outwards until they are located in the two channels in the corner of the lid 18. They then fully extend both uprights until they click into position. The user then fit the legs of the unattached frame 56 b into tubes 62 in the foot support framework and fully extends both uprights. As for the frame section 56 a, the user pushes both upper supports vertically against the resistance from bending of the uprights until they spring into place. The user then pushes the handle of the tensioning device 60 to pull the vertical supports apart, thereby tensioning the tent fabric. The user can adjust the backrest of the lounger 20 to the required position.

FIG. 18 shows a side view of the suitcase 10 once the frame portions 56 a and 56 b have been moved into position. The clasp 60 has been locked into position and is therefore tensioning the two frame portions 56 a and 56 b apart, through the rigidity of the solid suitcase 10 and the extendable handle 58. The two frame portions 56 a and 56 b each form a substantial U-shape, and include an over-centre linkage. Each frame portion 56 a and 56 b has a telescopic portion, which is fully extended, when the tent is erected. FIG. 19 shows the canopy 26 (with sides omitted for clarity) which is stretched between the two frame portions 56 a and 56 b, and held in tension by the retractable handle 58. The clasp 60 is in the locked position.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show the clasp 60 in more detail. In FIGS. 20 a and 20 b, the clasp 60 is in its unlocked position, and is not yet tensioning the suitcase/tent. The clasp 60 comprises a handle 64 and a plate 66, which are linked together so that the plate 66 can turn about a rod 68 that is part of the handle 64. The handle 64 rotates about an axis 70.

FIGS. 21 a and 21 b show the tensioning system following the user moving the clasp 60 to its locking position. In its locked position, the extendable handle 58 of the suitcase 10 is locked against frame 14. In FIG. 21 b, it can be seen that the frame portion 56 b is now located in the hold. The user activates the clasp by pushing the handle 64 up and over, thereby causing the plate 66 to push the extendable handle 58, of the suitcase 10, against the frame 14. This is how the tensioning of the tent is produced, which keeps the canopy of the tent taut.

The first frame portion 56 a is connected to the lid 18 of the suitcase by a universal joint 72, shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. In FIG. 22 a, the frame portion 56 a is folded in the lid 18 of the suitcase 10, in its stowed position. The second frame portion 56 b is also stored in the lid 18, and is located in a cup 76. Before any erection of the tent takes place, the user must remove the second frame portion 56 b from the locating cup 76.

FIG. 22 b shows the frame 56 a, as it is folded out of the lid 18 by the user. The cup 76 is now empty, after the user has removed the second frame portion 56 b, and moved it to lie on the lounger 20, for example. In FIG. 23 a, the frame 56 a has been folded upright, and it is then moved into a channel 74, which keeps the frame 56 a in position while the tent is being erected. The channel 74 is firmly connected to the lid 18, and locates the frame 56 a during operation of the tent. The lid 18 is provided with a corresponding frame on its opposite side, to engage the other end of the frame 56 a.

The canopy 26 of the tent is shown in FIG. 24, with a portion cut away to show the interior of the tent. 

1. A suitcase comprising a body, an extendable handle, a clasp and a frame, said body including a lid, said frame movable from a first position contained within said suitcase when said suitcase is closed, to a second position extending from said suitcase when said suitcase is open, said frame comprising a first frame portion connected to said lid via a universal joint, and said clasp arranged to lock said extendable handle to said frame.
 2. A suitcase according to claim 1, and further comprising a lounger mounted on said frame.
 3. A suitcase according to claim 1, wherein said frame further comprises a second frame portion, said second frame portion substantially similar to said first frame portion.
 4. A suitcase according to claim 3, and further comprising a canopy, said canopy connected to said first frame portion and said second frame portion.
 5. A suitcase according to claim 1, wherein said body further comprises a lockable compartment.
 6. A suitcase according to claim 1, wherein said first frame portion is of a substantial U-shape.
 7. A suitcase according to claim 1, wherein said first frame portion includes an over-centre linkage.
 8. A suitcase according to claim 1, wherein said first frame portion includes a telescopic portion.
 9. A suitcase comprising a body and a frame, said frame movable from a first position contained within said suitcase when said suitcase is closed, to a second position extending from said suitcase when said suitcase is open, said frame including a shield portion supporting a canopy, said canopy movably mounted on said shield portion.
 10. A suitcase according to claim 9, wherein said body has a pair of wheels attached thereto.
 11. A suitcase according to claim 9, wherein a portion of said canopy extends over and above said body.
 12. A suitcase according to claim 9, wherein said frame supports a body-supporting portion.
 13. A suitcase according to claim 9, and further comprising a locking device for locking said frame in said second position.
 14. A suitcase according to claim 9, wherein said frame, in said second position, does not enter the space defined by said body of said suitcase.
 15. A suitcase according to claim 9, wherein said frame is removably mounted on said body.
 16. A suitcase according to claim 9, and further comprising a compartment in said body of said suitcase, said compartment being lockable. 